Synthesis and Characterization of Ni-WC-Zr Nanocomposite Coating by Electrodeposition

Abstract

The present work depicts metal matrix composite coating of nickel along with WC and Zr on the steel substrate by dispersing Zr and WC powder simultaneously in a bath by using electro co-deposition process. Different compositions of Ni-WC-Zr composite coating were formed by adding two different second phase particle in a bathat the constant amount of WC (6g/L) with various concentration of Zr (5,10,15 g/L) with varying the current density (40,50,60 mA/cm2) in the presence of SDS at 60±2 oC. To get homogenous coating magnetic stirring was applied to counter agglomeration of particles in a bath with foregoing ultrasonic agitation. Characterization of WC and Zr powder in means of Iso-electric point as well as microstructure, hardness, roughness and wear properties of the coating were studied by means of XRD, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), micro-hardness tester, profilometer and ball-on-plate type wear tester.
Mechanical characterizations were investigated and better hardness and wear resistance in composite coatings compared to pure Ni. Mechanical properties were intensified in terms of hardness and wear resistance by the increase in current density due to entrapment of more WC and Zrnano-particles in the composite coating.